Gracie’s Guide

I’ve lived and worked in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for over two years, and during that time, I’ve traveled extensively and found my favorite stays in Southeast Asia. Some budget-friendly, some luxurious, and some completely unique (nestled in the mountains or 5 star food). Every place on this list is somewhere I personally stayed and loved, so you won’t find anything here that didn’t impress me. I know it can be so overwhelming to pick accommodation for a big trip like this, so I hope my picks make it a little easier! Let’s dive in!

I've lived in Chiang Mai for over two years and here are my favorite things to do in nature, to relax, and to have fun on the weekends. These are unique picks that I've accumulated over many years. Enjoy Chiang Mai! xx

Vietnam is a paradise for adventurers, and offers some of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever seen! The best experiences in Vietnam vary, but here are some of my absolute favorites that are off-the-beaten-path for true adventurers. They feature peaceful homestays, epic motorbike journeys, and immersive treks through Vietnam’s most stunning areas … so if that sounds like experiences you’d enjoy, then keep reading!

Hoi An is a dream. This small, colorful town in Vietnam stole my heart with its vibrant lanterns, bikeable streets, stunning beaches, bustling markets, and artistic soul. I visited Hoi An in the last few days of my one month Vietnam adventure, and it was one of my fav places. This place is littered with artisans, great food, and nice locals. I think I met the nicest people in all of Vietnam in Hoi An! I felt that Hoi An’s sister city is Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are both artistic, beautiful, and chill. My guide to Hoi An focuses on off the beaten path activities mixed with some of the best Hoi An has to offer. If you’re a mid-range traveler like me who loves a mix of culture, chill vibes, and adventure, here’s how to spend four magical days in (what I would call) the cultural capital of Vietnam.

Pai, Thailand. A hippie’s haven. A backpacker’s paradise. A vegan’s bliss. Pai is a gorgeous, sleepy mountain town ~3 hours north of Chiang Mai. Okay, let’s get one thing straight. Pai is not authentic Thailand. Yes, it’s technically in Thailand. Yes, it’s absolutely beautiful up in the mountains. Yes, some Thai people live there. But as anyone who visits sees, it is built for backpackers, for foreigners. I was shocked when I arrived and all the signs were in English lol! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED my weekend there. But it’s not Thai. My friend hit the nail on the head when she compared Pai to an episode of Black Mirror. It is like a utopia, a break from reality. There’s a running joke that people end up staying in Pai much longer than they originally planned. The easy lifestyle pulls you in. If you’re backpacking Southeast Asia, you have to visit Pai. It is a right of passage. One weekend is plenty of time to stay in Pai, but I’m warning you, you will definitely want to stay longer! Keep reading to have as an amazing time as my best friend Sydney and I did!

Luang Prabang, the cultural center in northern Laos, blew me away. Situated on the mighty Mekong River, this town is a patchwork quilt of beautiful nature, fresh food, and artisan shops. Laos has put effort to make this town BEAUTIFUL and classy. My guide to Luang Prabang may be a little biased because it holds such a special place in my heart. Surprisingly, the center of the city almost feels like Europe, with tables set up in the street to people-watch while you slowly drink a coffee. The best part of my visit was wandering around the stunning alleyways, peeking in artisan shops and taking in the vibes. Not only is Luang Prabang reminiscent of the ancient Lanna kingdom with its beautiful brown traditional houses against green palm trees, but also in its influence of the French rule — as noted by the laissez faire cafes & best buttery croissant I’ve had in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok is chaotic, vibrant, overwhelming, and amazing. At first, it can seem soooo overwhelming to create a guide to a weekend in Bangkok. Where should I stay, what should I eat, what should I focus on, etc. There are thousands of options for each. But that’s where I can come in to break things down and make it more accessible if it’s your first time visiting. No matter how many times I go, the energy of the city revitalizes me. I’ve been to Bangkok 5+ times (and have lived in Thailand for over two years), and while the sheer size of the city can be daunting, I’ve learned how to make the most of a weekend trip without getting totally lost in the madness. If you’re looking for a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture in Bangkok without feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, this guide is for you. I’m a mid-range traveler who enjoys off the beaten path type of activities. Keep reading for my hidden gem guide to a weekend in Bangkok, Thailand:

After two years of living and traveling in Thailand, I’ve explored a lot — and I know the places to avoid in Thailand, trust me. I’ve been everywhere from the bustling streets of Bangkok to hidden mountain villages in the north (lots of those) and chilled, quiet beaches in the south. This incredible country has so much to offer, but I’ve also learned that not every destination lives up to the hype. Some spots feel overcrowded, commercialized, or just off—but for every tourist trap, there’s a quieter, more authentic alternative! Trust me, I know a tourist trap when I see one. There’s nothing worse than walking down a street and having a million hands pushed at you to buy buy buy. It takes away from the experience of being a traveler and seeing the true country. So let me guide you through three places you might want to skip in Thailand—and the better, lesser-known gems that will give you a much more fulfilling experience. Here is my guide for 3 places to avoid in Thailand (and where to go instead):

Discover the lesser-known spots in Southeast Asia that will make your travels worth the long flights! I lived in Thailand for over two years so I know what I'm talking about! Check out where I stayed in each spot to make it easier to plan everything! xx

Chiang Rai is a charming, laid-back province in northern Thailand with a slower pace and a vibe that just feels different. I decided to take the plunge and head out on a spontaneous solo trip from Chiang Mai on a weekend off from teaching. Spoiler alert: it was so worth it. Here’s the lowdown on what I did, what I loved, and why Chiang Rai might just be one of the best places in Thailand for a solo trip.

After living in Chiang Mai for the last few years, I can say with confidence that Chiang Dao is the next best town to visit in Northern Thailand. It is authentic northern Thailand. Chiang Dao has natural beauty, plus that sprinkle of Thai culture that I love so much. Plus, it’s not too crowded with tourists! Here is my best guide to Chiang Dao, and how you can enjoy your time in this ethereal village in northern Thailand!

After living in Thailand for two years, I’ve been to my fair share of islands across the country. In my opinion, I know the best islands in Thailand. Even though I lived in the north in Chiang Mai, I was always taking a cheap flight to different island provinces on my school breaks. Let me be your guide to relaxing, calm island trips that won’t break the bank. Let’s break it down by province. Phuket (though beautiful in some areas) has become overcrowded and stuffy. Krabi has amazing beaches and vibes in some islands. Surat Thani province has some winners, but also some losers. The Trat province has been the star of the show for me. Personally, I like to sit on a white sand beach, glide in the calm blue-green waters, beer in hand. Occasionally on my beach vacations I enjoy riding around fun mountain roads on a motorbike, exploring hidden beaches and tasty off-the-beaten-path local restaurants. I don’t really want to party much on beach vacations, I’d rather spend all my time at the pool / beach. So if that’s your vibe too, then you’ll like what I have to say about the best beaches in Thailand. Let’s rank the 3 best islands in Thailand!